There were 3,711 complaints made to the Maryland Department of Aging in 2021, of which 229 were upheld as elder abuse. Elder abuse and neglect is a growing problem across the United States, with 24% of nursing home residents alleging physical abuse from a staff member. In Maryland, elder neglect cases that result in the wrongful death of a senior citizen are on the rise. This article examines the factors that contribute to neglect in elder care facilities in Maryland and the legal options family members have when neglect turns fatal.
Prevalence of Elder Neglect in Maryland
Financial exploitation was the most common form of abuse in Maryland, followed by caregiver neglect. Experts believe abuse and neglect cases are vastly underreported. For every case reported, as many as 24 go unreported.
Fatal Errors: How Neglect Turns Deadly
Neglect in Maryland elder care facilities often starts small but can quickly escalate to life-threatening situations. Some common errors include:
- Failure to provide adequate nutrition and hydration
- Lack of proper medication management
- Not assisting with activities of daily living
- Failure to monitor health conditions
- Not responding to infections or injuries
On their own, these lapses endanger health and well-being. Together, they can create a perfect storm and lead to the death of vulnerable seniors.
Seeking Accountability Through Wrongful Death Claims
When an elderly loved one dies due to clear neglect on the part of a care facility or staff members, family members may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Damages can include:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of companionship
- Pain and suffering of the victim
- Loss of income the victim would have earned
Proving liability requires showing that neglect occurred and directly led to death. An attorney can help gather evidence like medical records, accounts from staff and other residents, and documentation of inadequate care.
Preventing Fatal Neglect
Stronger oversight and accountability for elder care facilities are needed to protect Maryland’s seniors. But families can also take steps like:
- Regularly visiting care facilities to monitor quality of care
- Learning to identify signs of neglect or abuse
- Speaking up about concerns and issues
Seniors deserve to age with dignity. When neglect leads to avoidable death, families should explore their legal options for pursuing justice.
If your loved one has died due to neglect or abuse in a Maryland care facility, consulting a wrongful death attorney from Monge & Associates is critical. One of our experienced lawyers can evaluate your case and advise if you have grounds to file a lawsuit. They will handle complex legal procedures, conduct investigations to gather evidence, determine viable defendants, and negotiate aggressively to reach a fair settlement. With compensation for funeral costs, lost income, and pain and suffering on the line, legal expertise maximizes your chances of getting justice.
Working with a dedicated wrongful death lawyer from Monge & Associates provides the best opportunity to hold negligent parties accountable for their fatal errors.
We have offices in 32 locations and 19 states, including Maryland, Iowa, and Colorado.
Call now for a free consultation on (888) 477-0597 if your elderly loved one has died and you believe someone is to blame.